Sweating and Shivering(09:10)

When core temperatures drop, humans generate heat by shivering; when hot, the body sweats and cools as the moisture evaporates. Fans and proper ventilation can accelerate evaporation; high humidity can prevent it. Other animals have different coping mechanisms, but all adaptations are governed by chemistry and physical laws.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia(08:21)

When body core temperatures fall below the normal range, humans get potentially fatal hypothermia. Sudden exposure to cold water can cause cold shock and abrupt death. Increase in core heat results in hyperthermia, treated by cooling and rehydration of the victim.

Description

In this episode, we look at the brilliant systems within our bodies that allow us to maintain a more-or-less constant body temperature regardless of the weather conditions. Sweating, shivering, pumping more blood to some parts of our bodies than to other parts, curling up into a ball, and spreading out your arms and legs all play their part at keeping our bodies at the right temperature! But what happens when we reach our limits?